Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Mackay's Heath toxic to cats?

Erica mackaiana

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mackay's heath as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Erica mackaiana is not listed by ASPCA as toxic or confirmed non-toxic. The genus Erica is not a known toxic group but, because explicit ASPCA confirmation is absent, it is classified mildly-toxic as a precaution; seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests the plant.

What to do if your cat ate mackay's heath

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move mackay's heath out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of mackay's heath to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten mackay's heath, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is mackay's heath toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is mackay's heath toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mackay's heath as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Erica mackaiana is not listed by ASPCA as toxic or confirmed non-toxic. The genus Erica is not a known toxic group but, because explicit ASPCA confirmation is absent, it is classified mildly-toxic as a precaution; seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats mackay's heath?

Erica mackaiana is not listed by ASPCA as toxic or confirmed non-toxic. The genus Erica is not a known toxic group but, because explicit ASPCA confirmation is absent, it is classified mildly-toxic as a precaution; seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests the plant. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to mackay's heath.

What should I do if my cat ate mackay's heath?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is mackay's heath toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Mackay's Heath is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full mackay's heath pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to mackay's heath?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full mackay's heath pet-safety